chairman's newsletter 2015
Let me start by asking, where has this last year gone since I took on the role at last year’s AGM? For me it has just flown by as I never expected the level of challenges we have endured.
As a committee, we have been through some trying times throughout this year and I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone for sticking with it when it would have been so easy just to step down. As you will hear, hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel one way or another.
Let us begin with Oxford Water. At the last AGM it was announced that we would be allowed to take some stock tench from 11Acre, plant lilies in May 2015, extend the car park, work on our disabled pegs, investigate desilting options and remove some small fish to improve the quality of the lake. You may also have seen the 5yr plan that was drafted in conjunction with the EA and fisheries consultant Andrew Ellis. This was completed to show all concerned that we as a club were serious about our intentions to manage and improve the water, but sadly all of this has now changed, the things we had been promised and wanted to do are no longer allowed to go ahead. This decision was made by The National Trust after discussions surrounding our future. As you can imagine we were all disappointed with this news and it was certainly not what we wanted to hear. Having just said all that I am pleased to report The National Trust have recently extended the car park that will now fit up to 20 vehicles correctly parked.
There is however some good news to report. Firstly, after much discussion we have been granted a new 3-year lease on the water at a greatly reduced rental cost, this offer being made after initially being granted a further 1 yr. only again. The National Trust have also agreed that £1000 of the rent money from the 2014/2015 season can be used to add some stock fish, so with this money so we have purchased £1000 worth of crucian carp, in the 4 to 6 inch bracket. A decision was also taken that we would also add £300 to purchase bream of 8 to 10 inches. However, it was made clear that this is to be the only stocking allowed during the next 3-year lease period. Please do take as much opportunity as you can to enjoy fishing on the water, and let’s just hope some of our new fish show along with the bigger species hiding away in there. I have heard good reports of perch up to 3lb being caught recently which is fantastic news; I guess they are thriving on all that fry.
What’s our future?
To be honest having been in discussions with National Trust’s Surveyor, I don’t really know. We are to be reviewed at the end of the new 3-year period when a definitive answer will be given on our future at Stowe. It’s up to us all to show that we are a responsible caring club, looking after and respecting our environment and not giving any reason for The National Trust not to renew our lease. In light of this, as a committee we felt that we could not just sit still and await our fate and therefore took the decision to source additional waters for all members. We have hopefully come up with one very locally and would like to share our findings, photos and plans with you all at the AGM, as it’s all our futures. We also hope to hold an open morning in the near future for you all to come and see for yourselves just what we are hoping to take on. Please do try and make it to see for yourselves and give us your views and opinions at the AGM which will be held at 8pm on Tuesday 21st April 2015 at The Buckingham School, London Road, Buckingham.
We will be taking renewal forms at the AGM but please bring a Stamped Addressed envelope or an extra pound to cover postage costs.
Until then many thanks to you all for your continued support of Stowe Angling Club
Best Regards,
Graham.
Chairman
As a committee, we have been through some trying times throughout this year and I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone for sticking with it when it would have been so easy just to step down. As you will hear, hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel one way or another.
Let us begin with Oxford Water. At the last AGM it was announced that we would be allowed to take some stock tench from 11Acre, plant lilies in May 2015, extend the car park, work on our disabled pegs, investigate desilting options and remove some small fish to improve the quality of the lake. You may also have seen the 5yr plan that was drafted in conjunction with the EA and fisheries consultant Andrew Ellis. This was completed to show all concerned that we as a club were serious about our intentions to manage and improve the water, but sadly all of this has now changed, the things we had been promised and wanted to do are no longer allowed to go ahead. This decision was made by The National Trust after discussions surrounding our future. As you can imagine we were all disappointed with this news and it was certainly not what we wanted to hear. Having just said all that I am pleased to report The National Trust have recently extended the car park that will now fit up to 20 vehicles correctly parked.
There is however some good news to report. Firstly, after much discussion we have been granted a new 3-year lease on the water at a greatly reduced rental cost, this offer being made after initially being granted a further 1 yr. only again. The National Trust have also agreed that £1000 of the rent money from the 2014/2015 season can be used to add some stock fish, so with this money so we have purchased £1000 worth of crucian carp, in the 4 to 6 inch bracket. A decision was also taken that we would also add £300 to purchase bream of 8 to 10 inches. However, it was made clear that this is to be the only stocking allowed during the next 3-year lease period. Please do take as much opportunity as you can to enjoy fishing on the water, and let’s just hope some of our new fish show along with the bigger species hiding away in there. I have heard good reports of perch up to 3lb being caught recently which is fantastic news; I guess they are thriving on all that fry.
What’s our future?
To be honest having been in discussions with National Trust’s Surveyor, I don’t really know. We are to be reviewed at the end of the new 3-year period when a definitive answer will be given on our future at Stowe. It’s up to us all to show that we are a responsible caring club, looking after and respecting our environment and not giving any reason for The National Trust not to renew our lease. In light of this, as a committee we felt that we could not just sit still and await our fate and therefore took the decision to source additional waters for all members. We have hopefully come up with one very locally and would like to share our findings, photos and plans with you all at the AGM, as it’s all our futures. We also hope to hold an open morning in the near future for you all to come and see for yourselves just what we are hoping to take on. Please do try and make it to see for yourselves and give us your views and opinions at the AGM which will be held at 8pm on Tuesday 21st April 2015 at The Buckingham School, London Road, Buckingham.
We will be taking renewal forms at the AGM but please bring a Stamped Addressed envelope or an extra pound to cover postage costs.
Until then many thanks to you all for your continued support of Stowe Angling Club
Best Regards,
Graham.
Chairman